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Tuesday, 5 November 2013

Enshadowed by Kelly Creagh

Varen Nethers is trapped
in a perilous dream world -- a treacherous and desolate realm where the
terrifying stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life. Isobel Lanley,
plagued by strange visions and haunted by the nightmares of Varen's
creation, is the only one who can save him.

Isobel knows that her
only hope lies within a Baltimore cemetery. There, in the early morning
hours of Edgar Allan Poe's birthday, a mysterious stranger known as the
"Poe Toaster" will make his annual homage at the legendary poet's grave.

Only
the Poe Tosater holds the key to the way between worlds. But even
greater dangers lie ahead for Isobel. An ancient evil, draped in veils
of white, is watching, challenging her for Varen's affections. When
Isobel finally finds Varen, he is no longer the quiet and brooding boy
who once captivated her, but a dark force, powerful and malevolent.

As much as I enjoyed the first book, Enshadowed fell flat to me. I really
don't want to say this, but this book suffered the "middle book" syndrome.
Filled with descriptive and well-written scenes, there was nothing pushing the
plot forward. It starts to pick once you reach the last quarter of the book. If
it wasn't for Kelly's writing, I would have probably never reached the 75%
mark.

Ever since Isobel left Varen in the dreamworld, she hasn't been the same
since. Her parents think she needs help. But what Isobel really wants is to
save Varen from the world that he has created. Isobel convinces her parents to
bring her to Baltimore where a mysterious stranger (The Poe Toaster) makes an
appearance at Poe's graveyard. She believes that the mysterious stranger is the
only link between the two worlds.

If you thought Nevermore's ending was a cliff-hanger, you're in for a
disappointment because Enshadowed leaves you at a bigger cliff-hanger.
Especially with it being in Varen's POV. You literally get the feels. Though this book was a bit boring
at some parts, Varen's POV made up for it. That epilogue tore my heart into
two. I read that epilogue five times because I couldn't believe what was
happening to Varen! Usually I would feel so emotionally invested to characters
written in first person, but Varen's point of view made me feel twice amount of
heartache I felt for any first person book. It crushes me my heart, knowing
that I have to wait until August 2014 to read the final installment.

Enshadowed wasn't impressive as Nevermore, but that will not stop me from
pre-ordering the next book. August 2014, please come quickly!